The Vale of Glamorgan Ultra and Coastal Races are the original trail and ultra events along this stunning stretch of coastline – and now proudly in their 11th year!

Vale Ultra (32.5 miles): A point-to-point journey along the entire Vale of Glamorgan Coast Path.

Vale Trail 18.5 (“Mini Ultra”): A spectacular 18.5-mile run through the Glamorgan Heritage Coast.

Vale Trail 10: The perfect entry race, following the final 10 miles of both longer routes.

Vale Ultra

The Ultra sets off at 08:00 on Saturday morning from Penarth Pier.  From the start, the route follows the Wales Coast Path, almost entirely on trail, hugging the clifftops and revealing a chain of hidden, rugged bays.  Along the way, runners pass 19 beaches, with the final 14 miles along the spectacular Glamorgan Heritage Coast – a section famed for its dramatic cliffs, striking rock formations, secluded coves, and rolling countryside.

Vale Trail 18.5

Starting at 10:30 in Porthkerry Park, Barry, beneath the impressive viaduct, the 18.5-mile race joins the Ultra route on the shoreline at Porthkerry.  From here, runners share the coastal journey, enjoying some of the most beautiful sections of the course.

Vale Trail 10

The 10-mile race begins at 10:45, joining both the Ultra and the 18.5 routes as they cross Llantwit Beach, Southerndown and finally Ogmore.

All races finish together up the 'Hill of Doom' final climb at Ogmore-by-Sea Village Hall with the coastline as your backdrop and a warm finish-line welcome waiting.

An interactive map and gps file is available for each race distance at the links at the bottom of the page. (To download the gps click on 'actions', then 'export' and follow the onscreen prompts). 

The route follows the Wales Coast Path for its entire length. This section of the path stays close to the sea and is very easy to follow.

Although the race is self-navigated, the Coast Path is well signposted with markers along the clifftops. Many runners complete the course by following these alone.

To make things even easier, every competitor will also receive a marked map and detailed route notes. In addition, we place extra running markers and flags at tricky junctions or where the course briefly leaves the Coast Path.

There are 6 manned checkpoints for the Ultra, 4 for the 18.5mile Trail Race and 2 for the 10mile race, which will provide water, energy drinks, squash, sweets, biscuits, oranges, crisps.  Details of where the checkpoints are can be seen on the FAQ page. The link is at the bottom of this page.

As this is a linear race, you’ll need to either arrange drop-off/pick-up or park at Ogmore-by-Sea Rivermouth Car Park and use one of the event buses to get to the start.

Provisional bus times (subject to change – final details in your pre-race email):

Ultra (32.5 miles): departs Ogmore-by-Sea at 06:30

Trail 18.5: departs Ogmore-by-Sea at 09:00

Trail 10: departs Ogmore-by-Sea at 09:30

To reserve a place on the bus, you must select this option during registration.

All runners can leave a drop bag at the start, which will be transported to the finish at Ogmore-by-Sea for collection.

Car Parking is at Ogmore-by-Sea, Rivermouth Car Park, CF32 0PR.   

Please note Saturday morning registration, coach collection and race finish is at Ogmore-by-Sea Village Hall, Slon Lane, Ogmore-by-Sea, CF32 0PN which is a short 5-10minute walk from the car park.

The time limit for the ultra race is 10 hours (6pm) so it is suitable for anyone who can maintain a running / walking pace to complete the event within that time frame.  You should always include stopping at checkpoints in your estimation of your time management.  The time limit for the 18.5  is 7.5 hours 10 mile trail races is 7 hours 15 minutes.  If you are in any doubt about your ability to complete the ultra race in the 10 hour time limit you should enter the shorter distance and have an enjoyable day.  Please also remember that race distances are approximate i.e. 'country miles'.

There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried.  This may vary depending on the conditions, but you should come prepared to have ALL the compulsory kit.  This can be viewed here. 

Friday 

1200-1830 Registration for all races in Up and Under Outdoor, Cowbridge Road, Canton, Cardiff.

Saturday

0515 - Ogmore-by-Sea Rivermouth car park opens for parking

0530-0630 Registration for Ultra in Ogmore-by-Sea Hall

0630- Coach Collection for Ultra Runners from Ogmore-by-Sea Hall

0745- Ultra race brief Penarth Pier 

0800- Ultra race start on Penarth Pier

0730-0845 Registration for 18.5 mile race in Ogmore-by-Sea Hall

0900- Coach collection for 18.5 mile trail race from Ogmore-by-Sea Hall

1015- Trail 18.5mile race brief at Porthkerry Park, Barry

1030- Trail 18.5mile race start Porthkerry Park, Barry

0845-0915 Registration for 10 mile trail race in Ogmore-by-Sea Hall

0930- Coach collection for 10 mile trail Race from Ogmore-by-Sea Hall

1030- Trail 10mile race brief at Llantwit Major Beach

1045- Trail 10mile race start Llantwit Major Beach

1800- All courses close

There are three race distance options available for competitors. There is also the option of adding coach transport from the finish to the start.

Ultra race only (£46)

Trail 18.5 race only (£36)

Trail 10 race only (£33)

Coach Transport (£10)

You can select the appropriate options when you sign up to the event online.

Participation in the original Vale Of Glamorgan Ultra Races now in its 11th year

Checkpoints well stocked with refreshments

Finishers medal

Electronic timing

Emergency first aid cover

Free race photographs and banter from Tosh

Custom unisex tech Vale race t-shirt (£20)

Custom female fit tech Vale race t-shirt (£20)

Custom Vale race hoodie (£40)

RWC race buff (£5)

There are 500 spaces for the Ultra

500 spaces for the Trail 18

200 spaces for the Trail 10